Mission Research

LPL scientists have played important roles on spacecraft instrument and mission teams since our founding in 1960.

In the 2021 ranking by U.S. News & World Report, LPL and the UArizona were tied for No. 11 overall (No. 8 in the U.S and No. 3 among public universities) in space science research, based on our strong research reputation and publication frequency.

The 2019 NSF Higher Education Research and Development survey ranks the UA, led by LPL and Steward Observatory, #1 among all universities in space science research and development expenditures.

Current Involvement in Missions